Shelter Tails: Shelter needs help caring for neglected cats

The Ulster County SPCA is caring for 42 cats and kittens seized from a Greenville Park home inhabited by a woman and her daughter, who were charged with animal neglect.

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By Mary Esparra

recordonline.com

By Mary Esparra

Posted Mar. 20, 2014 at 2:00 AM
Updated Mar 21, 2014 at 5:37 PM

By Mary Esparra

Posted Mar. 20, 2014 at 2:00 AM
Updated Mar 21, 2014 at 5:37 PM

» Social News

The Ulster County SPCA is caring for 42 cats and kittens seized from a Greenville Park home inhabited by a woman and her daughter, who were charged with animal neglect.

Many of the cats are suffering from eye infections and upper respiratory issues, said UCSPCA executive director and lead investigator Adam Saunders.

"And a few of the animals have tremors," he said. "We're finding a lot of pyometra, which refers to a false pregnancy that can lead to an infection in the uterus. They all have to be spayed to avoid that infection, and that's costly."

Saunders estimates that vet bills for the cats could easily reach upward of $5,000 for vaccines and required surgeries.

None of the cats are available for adoption.

"They are evidence in the case at the moment," said Saunders, "so I can't put any of them up for adoption yet. Best case scenario, in about three weeks with the cooperation of the suspects."

Until that time, the male and female cats of a variety of ages and markings are being cared for at the UCSPCA with little resources.

The shelter is in desperate need of wet and dry kitten and cat food, linens, pellet litter, dog food and cleaning supplies. The shelter is open from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, and donations can be left at the door anytime.

Monetary donations can be mailed to the Ulster County SPCA, 20 Wiedy Road, Kingston 12401 or call 331-5377 or visit ucspca.org.

"I'm thankful we were able to pull the cats," said Saunders, "and I hope another agency can help the residents. No one, human or animal, should have to live under such conditions."